Immigration agent charged for unlicensed advice

A 47-year-old Auckland woman has appeared in the Auckland District Court today charged with unlawfully providing immigration advice and taking fees for the advice from seven Chinese nationals.

The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) has charged Hanfang (Helen) Liu, from Headsun International Group Ltd, under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 with four counts of asking for a fee for providing immigration advice while not being, and knowing she was required to be, licensed.

She has also been charged on three counts of providing immigration advice while not being licensed, and knowing she was required to be licensed.

The charges related to advice provided on student, visitor and work visa applications.

Ms Liu has been remanded on bail until 10 May 2018.

Immigration Advisers Authority Registrar Catherine Albiston says, “Our message to international students seeking immigration advice in New Zealand is to check if the person is a Licensed Immigration Adviser or exempt, such as a New Zealand lawyer.”

Immigration Advisers must be licensed by the IAA, a New Zealand government body set up to protect individuals and families looking for immigration advice, or be an exempt person.

“Visa information is available on the Immigration New Zealand website. If students need personalised immigration help, it is important to only seek it from people who can legally give New Zealand immigration advice,” adds Ms Albiston.

The IAA investigates all complaints made by the public about unlicensed immigration advice. Individuals found breaking the law can face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to NZD$100,000. “Anyone can talk to the IAA about their experience without their immigration status being affected,” adds Catherine.